How to get ahead in teaching AI: CPD ideas for educators

Sarah Horrocks and Michelle Pauli of Connected Learning explore the areas of opportunity for a collaborative school approach to CPD around artificial intelligence.

The need for AI CPD in teachers and school leaders is increasingly recognised, especially given that three out of five teachers are already using generative AI in their work. 

The DfE has recently published a set of resources for teachers and school leaders, from early years to FE, on the safe and effective use of AI. The toolkits, with videos and workbooks, can be used as part of group CPD activities or worked through individually by teachers. 

Report highlights

The Education Ventures Beyond the Hype report highlighted the importance of AI-focused professional development for schools: 

• Schools with AI-focused CPD programmes are positively correlated with the clearer identification of educational goals for AI use and higher AI use by teachers.
• Schools can use the Education Ventures’ self evaluation tool to assess their levels of AI and digital literacy.
• Using a framework, such as the UNESCO AI competency framework for teachers, can also help with planning a CPD programme.
• Ensure all staff have a clear understanding of what AI is, how it works (including machine learning basics), and its current and potential future roles in education and society.

Collaborative CPD

To effectively support professional development for AI in schools, a clear distinction must be made between its various applications: administrative tasks, lesson planning support and teaching AI literacy to students. These might include: 

Developing a comprehensive CPD plan for all these areas will include sharing practices among teachers, departments, administration, school leadership and teaching teams. 

Encouraging peer learning and collaboration and hands-on opportunities through workshops, coaching and professional learning communities will enable staff to share experiences and best practices for all school staff to experiment with AI tools relevant to their roles.

Reviewing, agreeing and writing policy collectively across the staff can be part of CPD. A clear school policy around the use of AI, which aligns with existing policies on safeguarding and behaviour, will protect student privacy, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, and protect against harmful content. 

Knowing how AI literacy fits within different subject areas and pedagogy including data awareness, ethics, its impact on children and young people’s personal, social, health and economic well being, and models of writing in English.

Providing access to up-to-date resources, guides, and courses for ongoing professional development. 

Sarah Horrocks and Michelle Pauli are the team behind Connected Learning – offering digital developments for educators, from AI to digital news. 

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Parent Zone has partnered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to deliver free training to UK educators as part of Experience AI.